248 [proceedings of societies. 



The next point was an earnest recommendation to make a sketch 

 or drawing (no matter how rough) of every object seen, either by the 

 camera lucida or otherwise, and to preserve these drawings. 



Thirdly, to study micrometry. A cheap micrometer made by 

 ruling lines on paper was shown by the author, whose fourth recom- 

 mendation was, Work economically. Some cheap forms of apparatus 

 were mentioned in the paper. The use of low powers as a means of 

 training the eye, not to supersede, but to precede, high powers ; and 

 the regular but systematic use of a few reagents were other matters 

 insisted upon in the paper. Dr. Woodman concluded by strongly 

 urging the formation of a library in connection with the Medical 

 Microscopical Society, for reference, and perhaps loan. Towards this 

 he would be happy to contribute a small sum, or some books, as a 

 nucleus. The desirability of such a library was almost self-evident, 

 since books on histology are for the most part either expensive, if 

 recent, or comparatively scarce and inaccessible. 



The President regretted the too little general use of the micro- 

 scope, and that medical students had too little previous knowledge of 

 natural history ; and then — as in botany — high systematic work was 

 often commenced at once, and the smaller but equally important 

 plants neglected. Measuring and drawing he thought could not be 

 too much insisted upon, and he fervently wished that instrument 

 makers would provide a micrometer in lieu of much of the un- 

 necessary apparatus usually placed in microscope cases. 



After some further remarks from various members, the meeting 

 resolved itself into a conversazione. 



QuEKETT Microscopical Club. 



Ordinary Meeting, February 25, 1876.— T. Charters White, Esq., 

 M.R.CJ.S., Vice-President, in the chair. 



Mr. R. Packenham Williams described an improved form of 

 freezing microtome, consisting of a wooden chamber, to the bottom 

 of which is securely screwed a pillar with a spreading base and 

 curved sides ; to the chamber is fitted a turned lid with a plate-glass 

 top, having a hole large enough to allow the end of the pillar to pass 

 through ; on the top of this pillar is placed the tissue in gum-water. 

 The lid is removed, and the cavity of the chamber surrounding the 

 pillar filled with ice and salt ; the lid is then replaced, and in a 

 short time the tissue, together with the gum-water surrounding it, is 

 sufficiently frozen for making sections. The cutting is effected by a 

 straight-edged razor attached to a triangular frame, supported by 

 three screws ; a delicate adjustment is effected by means of the screw 

 at the apex of the triangle, instead of moving all the three screws, as 

 in the American instrument. Means are provided for placing the 

 razor parallel with the plate glass over which it moves, rendering 

 the instrument efficient and easily managed. 



Ordinary Meeting, March 24, 1876.— Dr. Matthews, F.R.M.S., 

 President, in the chair. 



Mr. N. E. Green made a further communication with reference to 



